Bmw Unveils World's Fastest 4wds

[GearHead]

X5 M and X6 M take 4WD performance to a new level with the most powerful engine in BMW’s stable.

Meet the world’s fastest four-wheel-drives.

BMW’s renowned M division has finally succumbed to nine years of temptation by creating its first high-performance versions of the company’s luxury off-roaders.

The new X5 M and X6 M have been revealed ahead of their public debuts at this month’s New York motor show, though the models haven’t been a well-kept secret.

BMW Australia, though, says for now it will only import the X6 M – expected in November – declaring the coupe-style 4WD as a better fit for Australia.

“These models are not about taking the kids to school,” says company spokesman Toni Andreevski. “And these kind of [enthusiast] customers lean towards the X6.

“We’re not ruling out the X5 M for the future, but for now the sporting nature of the X6 is better suited to what Australians demand.”

Both the X5 M and X6 M are propelled by the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 408kW of power and 680Nm of torque – the most powerful BMW production engine currently available.

That’s enough poke for the 4WDs to sprint from 0-100km/h in a claimed 4.7 seconds – a tenth quicker than the current segment benchmark for acceleration, the 404kW twin-turbo V8 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S.

The X5 M and X6 M will also reach an identical top speed of 250km/h, stretching to 275km/h with the optional M Driver’s package.

Fuel consumption of 13.9 litres per 100km is inevitably the highest in the respective X5 and X6 ranges, though is still respectable considering their performance niche and power.

All 408kW – up 36 per cent and 56 per cent respectively for the current most powerful versions of the X5 and X6 – are sent to all four wheels on each car by an M Sports six-speed automatic transmission.

The auto includes a launch control function, while a Power mode offers Sport or Efficiency settings for the engine and gearbox for either keen driving or keen [fuel] saving.

X5 M and X6 M X5 M and X6 M

Both models feature BMW’s xDrive four-wheel-drive system with Dynamic Performance Control – a rear differential that varies torque between the rear wheels for improved cornering stability.

The clever diff was first introduced on the regular X6 that debuted last year.

Drivers can also raise the threshold the stability control system by activating the M Dynamic Mode. This also gives both 4WDs more rear-drive bias.

The X5 M and X6 M feature M-developed air suspension with self-levelling rear suspension maintaining a consistent ride height even with rear passengers or heavy cargo.

Visually, the M versions of the X5 and X6 are differentiated by huge front air intakes, intake gills behind the front wheels, and the quad exhaust pipes that are a signature on BMW's range-topping performance models.

Electronically adjustable dampers are also standard, as are 20-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, electrically adjustable front seats, dual-zone air-conditioning, daytime running lights, new-generation iDrive, and (on X6 M only) an automatic electronic tailgate.

Pricing will sit somewhere between the $167,500 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG and $277,800 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S.

http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleD...ArticleID=62054

[Devinda_Z]

fastest , ok , but will these be capable of managing them selves off road - lets not forget , they are in fact 4x4's/SUV's!

The Cayenne might not be the best on the rough stuff but its been said to be competant enough - can the same be said of these two??

or are these simply jacked up cars?

[JadeyBlitzen]

fastest , ok , but will these be capable of managing them selves off road - lets not forget , they are in fact 4x4's/SUV's!

The Cayenne might not be the best on the rough stuff but its been said to be competant enough - can the same be said of these two??

or are these simply jacked up cars?

glad you are not showering it with fake praise

for me the fastest 4x4 out there is still the supercharged RR

[madmax]

glad you are not showering it with fake praise

for me the fastest 4x4 out there is still the supercharged RR

I'm sure these are softroaders.

[Elvis_Pil]

Were they not going to use the same motors in the new hatchback 5 series GT? Now that would be a monster!

[harshansenadhir]

confusion between AWD and 4X4 ??

[danielhenry31]

Both models come with the system BMW xDrive four-wheel drive with Dynamic Performance Control - a rear differential that varies torque between the rear wheels for stability in cornering.

[AMG]

Never driven the M version of the X5 or X6 but got a chance of driving a ML63AMG for 136 miles mostly on the single carriage country side roads. Man it was awesome.

Anyway do I really need to tell which one I like?